Plant Database
June Plum
Spondias dulcis, Spondias cytherea, Anacardiaceae, Ambarella, Otaheite Apple, Tahitian Quince, Polynesian plum, Jew Plum, Golden Apple, Kedondong
The June Plum, or Ambarella, is a fast-growing tropical marvel that delivers a uniquely complex and refreshing flavor. This statuesque tree produces large clusters of olive-shaped fruit that transition from crunchy and tart when green to soft and sweet when golden-yellow. Its flavor is a fascinating symphony of green mango, pineapple, citrus, and a hint of resin, making it a versatile star in both savory and sweet dishes. While it can become a large tree, its open, spreading canopy provides excellent shade, and its prolific nature ensures a generous harvest for adventurous palates.
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Prized for its complex, multi-layered flavor that evolves dramatically with ripeness, offering a different taste experience at each stage.
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Fruit is borne in large, showy clusters on long stalks, creating a striking ornamental display.
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A very fast-growing, briefly deciduous tree that can provide quick shade and begin fruiting within 2-3 years.
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Highly versatile in the kitchen, used from the crisp, green stage to the soft, ripe stage.
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The aromatic leaves are also used in some cuisines for seasoning.
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Prefers a warm, tropical climate but can withstand brief, light frosts once mature.
Flavor Profile:
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Green (Unripe): Crisp, very tart, and astringent with strong notes of green apple and citrus—perfect for pickling or eating with salt and chili.
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Yellow (Ripe): Softer, sweeter, and less tart with dominant tropical notes of pineapple and mango, and a unique aromatic finish.
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Best Uses: Green: Eaten raw with seasoning, made into chutney, pickles, or used in salads. Ripe:Eaten fresh, made into juice, jam, or used in desserts.